Chapter 76
Lucy thought that she should also hurry to develop new menu items using the grain of the gods.
“But Lucy, when it gets officially distributed in the market, are you really going to use that grand name—‘grain of the gods’?”
Count Rayford asked.
“Now that you mention it… you’re right.”
Lucy nodded, falling into thought. She needed a suitable name to replace “grain of the gods.”
That night, she wrote another letter to Bruno.
After the usual greetings and words of encouragement, she added a question at the end: what about naming the grain after his name or surname?
Not long after, his reply arrived.
Ops. The name of a goddess from long ago who symbolized abundance.
And so, the grain bestowed by the gods, which would one day spread across the world, came to be called “Ops.”
* * *
Lucy’s business whirled forward without rest.
While Ops was being cultivated, time flew, and Bruno’s new fabric material had already entered the market.
Though the innovative fabric he developed was highly versatile, there was a limit to how much they could promote the fabric itself as unique.
Pondering how to advertise it better, Lucy decided to seek help from her investor, Lucas.
She planned to make use of his fame as the Empire’s most handsome man.
“So, you’re asking me to be your partner at the banquet?”
Lucas was startled by Lucy’s unexpected proposal.
“Yes. There’s going to be a ball in Tyren, hosted by Marquis Billian. It’ll be my first social debut as Lucy Rayford, but… I don’t have a partner.”
Lucy drooped her shoulders with a sulky look.
“There’s no need to worry. If you need me, I’ll gladly attend as your partner.”
“Really? But Lucas, you dislike such events. Are you truly fine with it?”
“If it helps you, I’ll do it without hesitation.”
Lucas gazed at her with a gentle smile.
“Then I’ll prepare the outfits. I was thinking of having your tailcoat made with the new fabric. Let’s make this a proper promotional opportunity!”
Lucy’s eyes curved into delighted crescents.
On the day of the banquet.
She wore a graceful dress of navy silk overlaid with ivory mesh fabric.
From the ribbon in her hair to her gloves, the embellishments on her shoes, even the fan in her hand—every piece was made from the new fabric.
Lucas’s tailcoat was, of course, made of the same material.
“Lucas, you’ll be fine today, right?”
“Of course. I’ve invested a fortune in this business; it’s only right I promote it well.”
At Lucy’s words, Lucas once more checked the fit of his tailcoat.
“If anyone says the fabric looks too thin and asks if you’re cold, you must answer exactly as I told you, all right?”
Lucy had thoroughly drilled him in advance for this day.
“Don’t worry. I’ll say it’s made with the special fabric developed by the Pablo Merchant Guild—very warm and highly durable. That should do, right?”
Lucas smoothly recited the promotional lines he had memorized.
“Perfect! Today, I’m counting on you, Lucas!”
Lucy beamed, linking her arm lightly with his.
* * *
Marcel Paul Miller, Duke and Chancellor of the Fujis Empire—and the Emperor’s closest confidant—was scheduled today to meet the head of the Navid Merchant Guild.
Normally, he would never take time from his busy schedule to meet a mere guild master.
But the Navid Guild had persistently requested a meeting to propose a business deal, and so he relented.
When the duke entered the reception room, a woman rose and bowed to him.
Her appearance was unusual: more than half her face was covered by an ivory mask.
“I am Valencia Donis of the Navid Guild.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I did not expect the guild master to be so young.”
Marcel sat on the sofa, studying her, as she placed a small box on the table.
“These are rare tea leaves found only in the eastern continent. Our guild has secured exclusive rights to import them. Would you like to try some?”
At his nod, she handed two teabags from the box to the maid waiting at the door.
When the tea was served, Valencia took a sip first. Marcel watched her closely.
“So, what exactly did you mean in your letter?”
He got straight to the point.
“Exactly as I wrote. The Empire is suffering from drought. If it continues, many of our people will starve. Already, starting in the slums, countless have begun to die.”
She spoke calmly as she sipped her tea.
“Grain prices are skyrocketing. I’ve heard the Imperial Family will soon begin distributing relief grain.”
Marcel flinched at her words, turning his eyes to her. The relief plan had not yet been officially announced.
“That matter has not yet been finalized. Your intelligence is… impressive.”
Her lips curved faintly beneath the mask.
“The tea is getting cold. And please, speak freely. For the mighty Duke Marcel Paul Miller—whom even the Emperor himself treats with respect—to use honorifics toward someone like me? How absurd.”
The duke answered instead by drinking his tea.
“Mmm? The aroma is delightful. Such a peculiar flavor.”
He widened his eyes in surprise at the unexpectedly refreshing taste.
“It helps relieve fatigue and calm the mind. Soon, it will be a great trend within the Empire.”
Her confident tone made the duke chuckle faintly.
“Let me be direct. I can provide relief grain at a very low price. In return, arrange a meeting for me with His Majesty the Emperor.”
“A direct audience with His Majesty?”
“Yes. I have a proposal to make to him.”
“Could I hear what this proposal is first?”
He tried to read her expression, but beneath the mask he saw only golden eyes and red lips.
“We have recently developed a new grain variety. It resembles wheat, but can be cultivated even on barren soil and harvested three times a year. I wish to supply it exclusively to the Imperial Family.”
Marcel’s eyes widened.
“Are you saying you truly developed such a strain?”
“Perhaps you haven’t heard yet. It’s called the grain of the gods, Ops. If you doubt me, I can show you.”
At his astonished expression, she let out a quiet laugh.
“We’ve already had several harvests. Our guild has even begun producing various foods with it and selling them.”
He could hardly believe it. The Navid Guild was a newly rising guild that had only begun to make waves about a year ago.
And the guild master herself, even with her mask, looked so young.
“…Very well. I’ll confirm it with my own eyes before making a decision.”
Valencia smiled in satisfaction, seeing things proceed according to her plan.
“Then choose a date, and let me know. I’ll adjust my schedule to match yours.”
When she left the duke’s mansion, a large carriage awaited. Standing before it was a very tall man.
“You’re back. Did all go as you wished?”
“Shan, it’s been a while—I should go see Anna.”
At her words, Shan nodded slightly and opened the carriage door.
Once inside, she finally removed the stifling mask and the necklace around her neck.
With the mask off, Lucy’s beautiful face was revealed.
